Former Charlotte Realtor Pleads Guilty to Selling Household Appliances Stolen from Vacant Homes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a shocking case, a former Charlotte area realtor has pleaded guilty to selling household appliances she unlawfully removed from vacant homes owned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Sember Lynn Smathers, 49, formerly of Shelby, N.C., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal government property before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer on Monday, August 26, 2013.
According to the criminal indictment and plea agreement, Smathers used a master key to enter vacant HUD homes and unlawfully remove appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers. Smathers and her co-conspirators conducted these ‘clean outs’ one or two times per week, stealing over $13,678 worth of appliances from the vacant homes.
Smather’s accomplices included co-conspirators who helped her set up a business called ‘Cheap Stuff,’ from which they sold the stolen household appliances as well as clothes and lawn maintenance equipment. The accomplices also maintained a storage unit in Shelby to store the stolen appliances, and used online platforms such as Craig’s List, the Shelby Shopper and the Shelby Star to advertise and sell these appliances.
When questioned about the removal of the appliances, Smathers falsely represented that she and her co-conspirator also worked for the subcontractors and had been directed to remove the appliances from the home.
Smather’s has been released on bond pending sentencing. She faces a maximum prison term of five years and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date for Smathers has not been set yet.
The investigation into Smathers was handled by HUD-OIG. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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